Yemen Inaugurates Saudi-funded Development Projects in Hadramout Worth Over $266 Mln

SDRPY official Hasan Al-Attas explains the inaugurated projects to Al-Alimi and the accompanying delegation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
SDRPY official Hasan Al-Attas explains the inaugurated projects to Al-Alimi and the accompanying delegation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Yemen Inaugurates Saudi-funded Development Projects in Hadramout Worth Over $266 Mln

SDRPY official Hasan Al-Attas explains the inaugurated projects to Al-Alimi and the accompanying delegation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
SDRPY official Hasan Al-Attas explains the inaugurated projects to Al-Alimi and the accompanying delegation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), on Sunday inaugurated 20 development projects financed by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), totaling SAR1.2 billion (more than $266.6 million), in Yemen’s southeastern province of Hadramout.

Upon arriving in Mukalla , the capital of Hadramout, on Saturday, Al-Alimi underlined the commitment of the PLC and legitimate government to enhance the role of local authorities in all liberated provinces, as well as support security efforts, promote stability, and improve services.

His visit comes as an opportunity for him to meet with local leaders and residents to alleviate their suffering that has been exacerbated by the terrorist attacks carried out by the Iran-backed Houthi militias on oil facilities and international shipping routes.

In a press statement, Al-Alimi emphasized the commitment of the PLC and the government to bolster the role of local authorities in Hadramout and all liberated provinces.

He stressed that the PLC and government are looking to support local authorities in Hadramout in “their efforts to achieve security, stability, and improve services in a manner befitting the leading role of the governorate and its people in embodying the values of the state and promoting constructive coexistence in various fields.”

The projects inaugurated by Al-Alimi include the construction of a cancer hospital, the renovation of a university hospital, the construction of a 25-megawatt power station, and the construction of roads in Al-Mukalla, Seiyun, and other cities in the province.

The SDRPY is also funding the rehabilitation of the Al-Wadea border crossing with Saudi Arabia, the preservation of Shibam’s old city, the construction of two schools, the renovation of Seiyun Palace, and various agricultural and fishing projects.

Hasan Al-Attas, Assistant General Supervisor of the SDRPY, said the Hadramout projects are being carried out under the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He pointed out that his country is launching a package of vital projects and initiatives through SDRPY, with a value exceeding SAR 1.2 billion.



New KSrelief Aid Convoy Crosses Rafah to Deliver Food Baskets to Gaza

The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
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New KSrelief Aid Convoy Crosses Rafah to Deliver Food Baskets to Gaza

The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)

A new humanitarian aid convoy from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) crossed the Rafah border into Gaza on Friday with essential food baskets for Palestinians affected by the ongoing crisis, as part of the Saudi fundraising campaign to aid the Palestinian people.

The Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, KSrelief’s implementing partner, has established several new camps in Al-Qarara area of southern Gaza and Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis in preparation for winter.

Through these efforts, KSrelief aims to alleviate the severe suffering caused by the dire living conditions in Gaza, ensuring that vital food and shelter reach those in the most vulnerable areas.


Joint Military 'Gulf Shield Exercise 2026' Concludes in Saudi Arabia

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
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Joint Military 'Gulf Shield Exercise 2026' Concludes in Saudi Arabia

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)

The joint military "Gulf Shield Exercise 2026" concluded in Saudi Arabia on Friday, with the participation of the air forces and air-defense forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, alongside the GCC Unified Military Command, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exercise was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional defense cooperation and enhance combat readiness.

Its maneuvers included advanced operational scenarios featuring simulations of multidimensional air and missile threats, joint air maneuvers, and integrated field exercises, with a focus on improving operational integration, strengthening command-and-control systems, and enhancing operational efficiency within a joint operational environment.
The exercise seeks to develop qualitative military capabilities, bolster combat readiness to confront current, emerging, and future threats, and entrench the concepts of collective defense and flexible deterrence, thereby contributing to the region's security and stability.

Gulf Shield Exercise 2026 is regarded as one of the key pillars of military cooperation among GCC countries, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance defense integration and strengthen the capacity to respond to regional and international challenges.

At the conclusion of the exercise, the participating forces carried out a joint aerial display that demonstrated a high level of harmony and operational integration, as well as their ability to plan and execute in accordance with unified operational concepts and advanced professional standards.


Saudi Arabia Expresses Deep Regret over Damage to Qatari Embassy in Kyiv

 Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Expresses Deep Regret over Damage to Qatari Embassy in Kyiv

 Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Saturday the Kingdom’s deep regret over the damage sustained by the Qatari Embassy in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as a result of recent shelling.

The ministry stressed the need to protect diplomatic missions and their personnel in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The ministry reiterated the Kingdom's support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Russian-Ukrainian crisis through peaceful means.